The Next Generation NCLEX (NGN)

The Next Generation NCLEX, or NGN, was developed from NCSBN’s 2013/2014 Strategic Practice Analysis, which identified a need to better measure a new graduate’s clinical judgment. In conjunction with changing technology and a more complex healthcare environment, NCSBN is introducing NGN question types to better measure test takers critical clinical decision-making skills. The update will feature Case Studies that have six NGN item questions and Stand-Alone items.

The Case Study NGN items will focus on a clinical situation for one or more clients that unfolds over six questions. Candidates will review medical record data to recognize and analyze data and prioritize, plan, and implement nursing care. The NGN item types that are included in the Case Study format include:

It is estimated that 10% of the NCLEX-RN will be NGN items, including Case Studies and Stand-Alone types. Candidates can expect to see approximately 7 to 15 NGN items.

With the introduction of Next Generation items to the exam, the minimum length of the exam will be 85 questions (70 scored and 15 unscored) and the maximum 150 questions (135 scored and 15 unscored).

The NGN questions will be included in scores on exams beginning April 1st, 2023. Currently, candidates have the option to take unscored NGN items.

The Princeton Review is hard at work addressing these new changes to the NCLEX-RN exam. Our content development team, comprised of expert writers with years of content development experience, have all participated in NCSBN’s Next Generation NCLEX® (NGN) conference to grasp updates along with helpful tips and techniques for applying the NCSBN Clinical Judgment Measurement Model (NCJMM) to NGN content development.

We have been spending the last year researching best practice and application of item writing for our Next Generation question development skills. The content development team is also working on integrating NGN into the LiveOnline and Self-Paced courses.

We are pleased to announce we’ll have over 200+ NGN items in all our NCLEX-RN products by early 2023 - right in time for the first NGN exam in April.

The NCLEX will be administered the same way, through the computer-adaptive format proctored by Pearson Vue. There will be no changes in format or process to take the NCLEX-RN.